Located in Southeastern Africa, Malawi is known for the warmth and friendliness of her people. Hence, the nickname, the “Warm Heart of Africa.” The cuisine of this country skews traditional African and is dominated by ingredients that are products of two of its major industries: agriculture and fishing. Groundnuts (peanuts) are the most important legume crop in Malawi in volume produced and in the amount of area devoted to their cultivation. The crop also brings in significant revenue. Our dish for the month, in honor of Malawi, is Mtedza, a delightful, easy to make groundnut (peanut) cookie that utilizes ingredients found in most pantries. Mtedza will melt in your mouth, and if one doesn’t pay attention, this recipe that makes 14 cookies might end up serving just two!

Mtedza (Groundnut Cookie)

Makes 14 cookies

Ingredients:
Sugar – 2 tbsp
Butter – ½ cup (room temperature)
Coarsely chopped Peanuts – ¾ cup
Flour – 1 cup
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Confectioners’ sugar – for dusting

Equipment
Stand mixer
Oven
Baking pan
Parchment

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F
2. Add the sugar, butter (at room temperature), and vanilla extract to the stand mixer and mix at low speed until it is well incorporated and creamy
3. Add the coarsely chopped peanuts and mix until well incorporated
4. Add the flour and mix until it pulls together as a crumbly dough
5. Using your hands roll the dough into little balls (cookies)
6. Line the baking tray with parchment
7. Place the cookies on the tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes
8. Allow to cool and roll in confectioners’ sugar and serve sprinkled liberally with more confectioners sugar!

Recipe and photo credit: Vinola V. Munyon